Classroom meetings can be a powerful way to build community. When done well, classroom meetings teach problem solving skills and democratic values. Moral development happens as children learn to listen in non-judgmental ways while looking for win/win solutions.

Some classrooms begin the day with a meeting; for others, a weekly meeting accomplishes the intended goals.

While Reclaiming Youth International offers a wide variety of excellent professional resources; we are especially pleased to hightlight some of our "exclusive" materials which highlight the values and philosophy of the Reclaiming Youth movement.  Check out these exceptional offerings, available only through www.reclaimingbooks.com or at a Reclaiming Youth International Seminar!

By: John "Jack" Calhoun, Reclaiming Youth International Board Officer

It had been a long day, beginning with a crack of dawn speech to the Salinas/Monterey Community Alliance for Safety and Peace followed by day-long meetings with the mayor and chief, local academics and a two-hour training I led for Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteers.

I was in Salinas for a site visit.  Salinas participates in the California Cities Gang Prevention Network, a 13 city initiative designed and run by the National League of Cities and the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.  In addition to Salinas, Network cities include Fresno, Los Angeles, Oakland, Oxnard, Richmond, Sacramento, San Bernadino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa and Stockton.

Toward the end of the day, two teenagers were shot in East Salinas.  One of them, 16-year old, Manuel Perez, a "B" student at Salinas High School, was gunned down while waiting for a ride to football practice.  The other, 19-year old Santiago Ortiz, a known gang member, was shot and wounded.